Grandmas Povitica Croatian Nut Roll Easy Dough

This traditional Croatian nut roll, or Povitica, is a show-stopping dessert that’s easier to make than you think! With a simple, flaky dough and a sweet, spiced nut filling, these sweet treats are perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Start by activating the yeast by combining the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl.

Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.

Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture.

Mix the dough until it comes together in a sticky ball.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing together the chopped nuts, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a thin sheet, about 1/4 inch thick.

Spread the nut mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side.

Cut the log into 9 equal pieces.

Place each piece on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.

Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For a successful yeast activation, make sure the milk is warm but not hot, as hot milk can kill the yeast.

Let it sit for the full 5-7 minutes to ensure the yeast is fully activated and frothy.

Use a high-quality all-purpose flour that can handle the yeast, as it will result in a better rise and texture.

When kneading the dough, make sure to flour the surface well to prevent sticking.

You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make the process easier.

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place, like an oven with the light on or a pantry.

This will help the yeast do its magic.

Don’t overmix the nut mixture, as it can become too dense and affect the texture of the finished rolls.

When rolling out the dough, try to get it as thin as possible, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure the filling distributes evenly.

To get clean cuts, make sure your knife is sharp and cut in a gentle sawing motion.

Let the rolls cool completely on a wire rack before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

These rolls are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 4g